Saturday, August 8, 2015

Around The Region News Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Global Church of the Nazarene for Saturday, August 8, 2015 Volume 3 / Issue Number 32...Typhoons and Torrential Rains Leave Devastation, First Distance Bachelor Program for NTC-Brisbane, New Team Members, Missionary Medical Updates, Praises, Prayer Requests and More!

Around The Region News Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Global Church of the Nazarene for Saturday, August 8, 2015 Volume 3 / Issue Number 32...Typhoons and Torrential Rains Leave Devastation, First Distance Bachelor Program for NTC-Brisbane, New Team Members, Missionary Medical Updates, Praises, Prayer Requests and More!


In This Issue

Nazarene News from Around the Globe

In 1921 -- which was only about 2 years after what is now NMI had begun -- a "box work" program was begun. Box work was a way of encouraging local churches to send more than cash to missionaries. It meant actually boxing up personal and ministry stuff and sending those boxes overseas to missionaries.

The LINKS program of the Church of the Nazarene is a network of personal connections between missionaries and Nazarenes around the world.
The relationships built over time personalize names and faces that both the missionaries and their LINKS churches value highly.
Loving,
Interested Nazarenes,
Knowing and Sharing (LINKS)
For more information on LINKS click Here

Developing Leaders by Stan Toler
HOW TO SAVE 8 HOURS A WEEK
Three Daily Practices to Regain Control of your Time
I don't know any leader who isn't busy. In fact, most leaders I meet tell me they have too much to do. Many routinely work 12-hour days. Some haven't taken a vacation for years. When you ask the reason, the answer is predictable: "I'm too busy to take time off!"
Sound familiar?
Running at a rapid pace for too long puts your health and your organization at risk. Like everyone else, you need time to relax, enjoy family life, and restore your soul.
If you constantly believe you are too busy for down time, I believe I can help you "find" at least eight hours this week. Try these three simple practices every day this week.
1. Designate.
If your time-management philosophy focuses on the "next action," you will accelerate the pace of your work but may wind up doing more of the things that don't matter.
Avoid that by designating a priority level for each task or project.
Priority 1-Vital. That means necessary for life. This is creating new product, selling, fundraising-anything your organization cannot survive without. Do this first.
Priority 2-Important.These things matter, but the earth won't stop turning if they don't happen today. This is reviewing reports, networking, or organizational management. Do this second.
Priority 3-Some Value.This is the customer survey or the email from a low-priority client. Do this last.
Priority 4-No Value.Cross these items off your list.
2. Delegate.
As a leader, your ultimate task is to direct the work of others. Determine what only you can do, and do that (these are your Priority 1 items). Delegate everything else.
Transfer ownership of lower priority tasks, and you'll save at least half a day per week.
3. Dissociate.
At some point, you must learn to "let it go." Delete low-value tasks, and forget them. Delegate important things, and then trust your associates. Disconnect your sense of worth from your busyness. That alone should save you an hour each day.
And, at the end of the day, turn out the lights and go home. You've earned a day off.
Master these "3-Ds," and you'll be happier, your organization will be healthier, and you'll both be around five years from now.
What tips have you learned for setting boundaries on your time? Share your answer on Twitter or Facebook! [Stan Toler]
Share The Story!

Asia-Pacific Region
Typhoons and Torrential Rains Leave Trail of Devastation Across Asia-Pacific!
Asia-Pacific Region

A series of typhoons and tropical depressions with torrential monsoonal rains, have left a trail of destruction across the Asia-Pacific Region!
Follow this link for updates from the Northern Mariana Islands and Myanmar.

BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NAZARENE DISASTER RESPONSE, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA
TYPHOONS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS LEAVE TRAIL OF DEVASTATION ACROSS ASIA-PACIFIC
Asia-Pacific Region: A series of Typhoons and tropical depressions with torrential monsoonal rains, have left a trail of destruction across the Asia-Pacific Region!
Northern Mariana Islands
Soudelor leaves significant damage after crossing the island of Saipan.
On Sunday, August 2nd, Typhoon Soudelor crossed the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands leaving significant damage in its wake.

According to the Pacific Daily News, Soudelor flooded the island’s power plant, ripped off roofs and toppled power poles. It is further reported that hundreds of Saipan residents moved to shelters and many roads were still impassable.
Our Nazarenes are on the ground, assessing damage and working to come along side those in need.
Typhoon Soudelor is still a major concern as it regains Super Typhoon status, headed towards Taiwan, with expected arrival sometime over the weekend.

Myanmar
In Southeast Asia, monsoonal rains have been leading to massive flooding across Vietnam, northwestern Myanmar, and eastern India.
(Credit: Google.com)
In the region of Tahan-Kalaymyo, entire villages and cities have been flooded, some villages submerged, bridges destroyed, and roads rendered impassable.
Our Nazarene Disaster Response personnel comprised of pastors from the local churches, are facilitating the purchase of rice and cooking oil, to be distributed to our Nazarene members in crisis.
Tahan-Kalaymyo is home to over 400,000. It has 80,000 acres of rice fields, 40,000 acres of peas, 40,000 acres for cooking oil crops. Most cultivation areas were full of flooded water with a strong force of rivers. Much of the agricultural land in the area has been severely affected.
Monsoonal Rains Leave Flooding and Devastation in Western Myanmar.
Please consider how you might be able to donate to relief efforts in this devastated area. Please continue to keep praying for all those who are effected, and for those who are assisting with the response efforts.

Click on the image for live storm tracking.
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who have been devastated by these natural disasters, as well for Taiwan, which is currently in the path of typhoon Soudelor, due to make landfall over the weekend.
Your prayers do make a difference! Your partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries can also make a significant difference.

Click here for updates and specific donation links!
Praising God - David Phillips Making Rapid Recovery - But New Challenges Ahead!
Bangkok, Thailand

Thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of prayers and encouragement on behalf of David and Naomi Phillips, Southeast Asia Field Strategy Coordinator.
Please see the following update received from David on August 4th.
"I was released from the hospital last Thursday (July 30th) at noon. The surgeon said that my recovery was remarkable. I rested at home for the next few days and was able to attend church on Sunday..."
Follow this link for the full update from Rev. Phillips.BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAISING GOD – DAVID PHILLIPS MAKING RAPID RECOVERY – BUT NEW CHALLENGES AHEAD!
Bangkok, Thailand: Thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of prayers and encouragement on behalf of David and Naomi Phillips, Southeast Asia Field Strategy Coordinator.
SE Asia Field Strategy Coordinator to Undergo Surgery for Cancer
July 27, Update on Surgery for David Phillips
Please see the following update received from David on August 4th.
I was released from the hospital last Thursday (July 30th) at noon. The surgeon said that my recovery was remarkable. I rested at home for the next few days and was able to attend church on Sunday.
My sleep has been off and on all day and night. When I am awake I have about 4 to 5 hours of energy before needing to sleep or rest again. But that is gradually increasing. I am eating normally and all systems are working!! Thank God!! and Thank you for praying for us!!
David & Naomi at home in Bangkok, after the surgery.
While not able to travel until August 26, I am able to work from home as my energy level allows, and can walk short distances, a little further each day.
We have received the official surgical report and to summarize, a large area of “bad stuff” has been removed, and it is now recommended that Chemotherapy be started as follow up.
We are consulting with several people and obtaining as many medical opinions as possible, as to the type of Chemo, length of treatment, and where best to obtain the treatment.
Thank you so much for your incredible prayers and encouragement to-date, and for your continued prayers as we travel this journey. We feel so very loved and supported.[David and Naomi Phillips]
First Class of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Bachelor of Ministry Program Held in Fiji!
Suva, Fiji

On June 27-31, 15 students participated in the first class of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Bachelor of Ministry Program (CALD).
The class began as a five-day intensive and will continue with two more intensive class sessions, August 29 and October 17. Dr. Dean Smith, lecturer in Theology and Ethics at Nazarene Theological College - Brisbane (NTC), was the professor who delivered the course content via video conference from Brisbane.
Find out how this program is making a huge impact in the area of taking theological training to remote areas of the world!AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, CURRENT, EDUCATION, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC,NEWS
FIRST CLASS OF CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE BACHELOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM HELD IN FIJI!
Suva, Fiji: On June 27-31, 15 students participated in the first class of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Bachelor of Ministry Program (CALD).
New Pilot Program “CALD” Launched from NTC Brisbane.
The class began as a five-day intensive and will continue with two more intensive class sessions, August 29 and October 17. Dr. Dean Smith, lecturer in Theology and Ethics at Nazarene Theological College – Brisbane (NTC), was the professor who delivered the course content via video conference from Brisbane.
Dr. Bruce Allder, program director, travelled to Suva, Fiji, and facilitated this first class in conjunction with Mrs. Leilani Roqara, Principal of South Pacific Nazarene Theological College. The course was held in a newly developed classroom, which was updated to facilitate video conferencing and training.
“This [CALD program] will provide students with a fully accredited Bachelor degree,” said Allder. “The program is in English and does require access to the internet at certain times through the program. However, the program can be delivered in context and at much reduced fee.”
The CALD program is a high quality undergraduate degree that Nazarene Theological College – Brisbane (NTC), provides as a member institute of the Sydney College of Divinity. This is an innovative approach to education offered outside of Australia.
The strengths of the program include its financial accessibility, the intentional acknowledgement of culturally diverse ways in which quality education can be delivered, and the flexibility of an “on-line” method of delivery.
NTC is committed to offering an education that will equip for a life time of personal development and service in Christian ministry.
Hunger and Thirst for Missions: Meet the Reynolds!
Cebu, Philippines
The Asia-Pacific Region rejoices with the arrival of John & Fonda Reynolds who are on their first-ever mission trip.
John & Fonda have been married for over forty years and have lived in many different places across the U.S., such as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.
Now they are joining the team in the Philippines!
Learn more about John & Fonda and their inspiring story of responding to God's call. Click here!BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
HUNGER & THIRST FOR MISSIONS: MEET THE REYNOLDS!
Cebu, Philippines: The Asia-Pacific Region rejoices with the arrival of John & Fonda Reynolds on their first-ever mission trip.

John & Fonda have been married for over forty years and have lived in many different places across the U.S., such as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.
John was involved in different types of businesses, which explains why they moved around a lot. Prior to coming to the Philippines, he owned a hardware and auto parts store in Minneapolis, Kansas. Fonda, on the other hand, was a practicing nurse for more than 35 years. She worked in hospitals, doctor’s offices, home care facilities and hospices. She also taught emergency care in different schools.
God’s test of faith to John & Fonda came when their son Doug died at the age of 3. John believed that this trial brought them closer to God. Ever since, the couple has tried to be as active as their talents would allow wherever God has placed them. They have served as teen sponsors and teachers of teens and children.
It was only 4 years ago that John felt God calling him to missions. He went on a business trip to the Philippines and during his visit, John felt that, “The Lord planted in my heart the love for the Filipinos.” He was drawn to the Filipinos’ friendliness and their family-oriented culture. “Even if they don’t have a lot, they’re happier than anybody that I’ve ever seen,” he added.
John came home a changed man, and he sat down with Fonda and told her about God’s calling. Fonda was hesitant at first because she did not want to be away from their family and friends. After much prayer, she came to realize that her job was to come with John and support him.
The Reynold’s calling further intensified when missionaries visited their church and talked about their experiences. John felt that he and Fonda could serve as missionaries in the Philippines. They continued to pray, asking God to put whatever talents He had given them to good use and to put them in an area where they could serve Him better.
They submitted their application, but honestly, were not expecting anything to happen. Then, last year, the Lord opened a door for them to come to the Philippines.
Fonda & John (first and second person from left) while having lunch with the other missionaries in APNTS.
John and Fonda arrived in Manila two weeks ago and stayed at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. On July 31 (which is also Fonda’s birthday), they made their way to Cebu where they will be staying at the Visayan Nazarene Bible College (VNBC) for three months. John and Fonda will help the school with construction and electrical work, and will work with Philippine Micronesia’s Field Strategy Coordinator and VNBC Officer-in-Charge, Ptr. Stephen Gualberto, regarding what they could further do to help.
John and Fonda do not know what will happen after three months, but Fonda says, “We are resting our faith in Him. All the time I’ve been praying and maybe this is what the Lord has brought us here to do.” The future may still be uncertain, but this is what John and Fonda know for sure; submitting themselves to the Lord’s leading on this trip has been a huge step of faith, and has brought them closer to God.
“Coming here, being out of our comfort zone and stepping up in faith has been life changing, like we have been changed into persons of God.”[John & Fonda Reynolds]
John and Fonda’s hunger and thirst to respond to God’s calling is something to be admired. Not everyone would be brave enough to step out of the boat of their comfort zone in such a leap of faith. We are very thankful for their indefatigable trust in the Lord.
Let us continue to pray for this couple, that God will continue to guide and lead them.[Submitted by: Terence Lustaña]
Updated Praise Report: Missionary Doctor Making Rapid Recovery After Surgery.
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Papua New Guinea

We have recently received an update from Dr. Erin Meier, missionary doctor to Papua New Guinea, who underwent shoulder surgery on July 24th.
On August 5th, her doctor indicated that her recovery was going very well and that she was approved to start Physical Therapy. Dr. Erin will need to keep her shoulder in a sling for 2 more weeks, but barring any complications, she should be able to return to Papua New Guinea during the first part of September.
Thank you for your continued prayers for a quick and complete recovery!
Click here to read the update on our website. BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MEDICAL MINISTRY, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
UPDATED PRAISE REPORT FOR MISSIONARY DOCTOR FROM PNG!
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Papua New Guinea: We have recently received an update from Dr. Erin Meier, missionary doctor to Papua New Guinea, who underwent shoulder surgery on July 24th.
On August 5th, her doctor indicated that her recovery was going very well and she was approved to start Physical Therapy. Erin will need to keep her shoulder in a sling for 2 more weeks, but barring any complications, she should be able to return to Papua New Guinea during the first part of September. Thank you for your continued prayers for a quick and complete recovery!
See previous post on Dr. Meier’s recovery here
APNTS welcomes the Davises
Manila, Philippines

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) is very happy to welcome Dr. Phillip and Rebecca Davis, their newest members of the faculty.
Dr. Phil and Becky, as they are fondly called, have been missionaries for 16 years, 12 years of which were spent outside the United States, their home country.
Get to know more about Dr. Phil and Becky and their exciting life as missionaries by following this link.APNTS, BLOG, CURRENT, EDUCATION, FEATURE, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
APNTS WELCOMES THE DAVISES
Manila, Philippines: Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) is very happy to welcome Dr. Phillip and Rebecca Davis, their newest members of the faculty.
Dr. Phil and Becky, as they are fondly called, have been missionaries for 16 years, 12 years of which were spent outside the United States, their home country. The couple lived in Sacramento, California, where they helped pastor a church that started with 50 people. When they left the church has grown amazingly into a group of 300 members.
Dr. Phil graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Literature in Azusa Pacific University in California. He then moved forward and completed his Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies in Fuller Theological Seminary. Last year, he finished magna cum laude on his Doctoral Studies in French post-modern philosophy at KU Leuven in Belgium.
Becky, on the other hand, teaches music and actively participates in the church choir. She and Dr. Phil have always been a team; in Sacramento he directed the church choir while Becky was their pianist. When they were in Leuven Becky had the chance to direct the church choir there.
Their call to missions took them to different places all over the world. They spent time in Suriname in South America, where Dr. Phil taught Bible school and helped set-up 5 churches in the jungle. He saw that the people were hungry for learning, this motivated him to reach out, train and disciple them. He even shared the story of one of his students who would work through any scrap of information that he got, which broke his heart. Dr. Phil thought,“Here is a man that will use anything that is given to him but he has so little available. What can I do to help teach this man?”
While in Belgium studying at KU Leuven, Dr. Phil also did some translations from Dutch to English. This provided the couple financial opportunity as the university provided monetary support.
Prior to coming to the Philippines, Dr. Phil and Becky stayed in the US for a year, raising funds and deciding where their next designation will be. They were given three options, and out of the three it was their assignment to APNTS in the Philippines that made the most sense. The responsibility offered to Dr. Phil in APNTS will give him a chance to use his training in doctoral research.
Dr. Phil and Becky praying with the team before enjoying the welcome lunch for the missionaries.
Dr. Phil will teach contextual theology, which answers questions like , “how do we think about our faith in the world where we see lots and lots of difference? What did Wesley teach and how can he help us share the good news in this radically different world we’re living in?” Meanwhile, Becky will teach music to the seminarians.
When asked what keeps them going and why they continue being missionaries, Dr. Phil had this to say:
“It doesn’t matter where, it doesn’t matter what; just use me. I want to please the master and I believe He’s asked me to be here, so I’ll be here.”
The Asia-Pacific Region is truly blessed to have the couple who have so much to share. Let us continue to pray for them, that they may not get tired of responding to God’s calling, wherever and whatever it may be.[Submitted by: Terence Lustaña]
NMI Prayer Mobilization Line Adds Portuguese Translation to Lineup
Global Ministry Center

Portuguese-speaking constituents will have a new prayer resource from Nazarene Missions International (NMI), as a Portuguese version of NMI's Prayer Mobilization Line (PML) is scheduled to release this month. To subscribe, people should send an e-mail tonmi@nazarene.org, Be sure to provide the name, country, and e-mail address of the recipient.
The weekly publication focuses on the prayer needs and praise reports for the global ministries and missionaries of the Church of the Nazarene. Anyone may subscribe to the e-mail prayer newsletter and view it online; however, until now, it has only been available to those who speak English or Spanish.
NMI Director Lola Brickey says, "We are grateful to hear reports of how the Prayer Mobilization Line has been used to connect mission needs and a praying church. NMI is pleased to be able to facilitate this resource for our Portuguese-speaking brothers and sisters."
Prayer Mobilization Line was introduced in 1981. At that time, a designated telephone line to the Global NMI Office served as a link between the missionaries on the field and local church constituents. Although the phone line is no longer available, PML has since expanded to include a page on the NMI website, as well as the weekly e-mail newsletter. In 2012, a Spanish translation of the intercessory tool began, and NMI is excited about providing the Portuguese version for Nazarenes in virtually every region of the denomination.
Click here for a sample of the enewsletter for PML.
Philippine Team Member's Battle With Cancer Continues - Please Keep Praying!
Manila, Philippines

Liza with husband Brooks
The Asia-Pacific Resource Center, World Mission Communications, and Philippine Field Office Teams, are all asking for your continued prayers for our team member, Liza Halbrook. The abdominal mass has decreased, but lung masses have increased. The doctors have started Liza on yet another chemo medicine in addition to the others.
Click here for more updates and how you can continue to pray.BLOG, FEATURE, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PHILIPPINE TEAM MEMBER’S BATTLE WITH CANCER CONTINUES – PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!
Manila, Philippines: The Asia-Pacific Resource Center, World Mission Communications, and Philippine Field Office Teams, are all asking for your continued prayers for our team member, Liza Holbrook. The abdominal mass has decreased, but lung masses have increased. The doctors have started Liza on yet another chemo medicine in addition to the others.
Click this link for complete thread of Liza’s stories.
The following update was received from Liza this week.
After my fourth chemo, my body feels really weak again, but it has been improving, Praise God!
Liza, Brooks, Kleos and Chloe
Specific Prayer Requests:
1. That the new chemo medicine will work and remove all malignant cells in my body and will not cause serious side effects to other organs
2. That may God prepare my family for whatever the result of this 2nd medicine, may it be bad or good, we learn to completely trust His will for us.
3. If God is asking us to do something for Him, something that we haven’t answered yet. May we have a sensitive spirit to hear God’s calling.
4. Finances. The new medicine is 40,000 pesos more expensive than the current one.
5. Brooks’ health. He is a mother and father and caregiver of 2. His step-dad is also recovering from stroke and they live with us now.
For information on how you can tangibly participate in helping Liza and her family during this journey, please visit their Facebook Page!

BLOG, FEATURE, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAISE REPORT – NANCY MILLER RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL!
La Trinidad, Philippines: Prayer was requested for Missionary Hospitalized in the Northern Philippines.
We are happy to report that Nancy Miller has been released from the hospital and was delivered to her home “in northern Philippines style!”
The following update was just received from Nancy.
“I am on oxygen to relieve pressure on my heart caused by the pressure in my lungs from excess fluid. The outward signs that sent me to the hospital were very swollen legs, which have greatly improved. I am feeling much better I just need to watch my fluid intake and take my medicine. I could possibly be on oxygen therapy for a long time especially living in the mountains.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers. I know it has made a difference. Please continue to pray as both George and I are trying to adjust our thinking to a possible new way of life, living attached to an oxygen bottle.”
Thank you faithful prayer partners for continuing to lift George and Nancy in prayer.
Nazarene Theological College - Brisbane Semester Intensives

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Highlights
APNTS NOW OFFERS Graduate Certificate in Language Teaching Ministry! Follow This Link for Information.
APNTS Announces PhD Classes for November-December 2015.
(For PhD in HCD, PhD in Transformational Learning, and PhD in Transformational Development)
Follow this link for more information.
Nov. 2-6 Dr. Laura Sandidge Learners with Special Needs (for PhD & Masters)
Nov. 2-13 Dr. Fletcher Tink & Dr. Melba Maggay Culture, Context, and Worldview (for PhD only)
Nov. 16-27 Dr. Dick Eugenio & Prof. Larnie Sam Tabuena Philosophy and Theology of Transformation (for PhD Only)
Dec. 7-18 Dr. Joanna Soberano Spirituality and Transformational Learning for PhD Only) - to be confirmed.
This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: Regional Communications Coordinator
Connie Aebischer - Editor - Around the Region News
Writer: Laurice Maggay
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
Strategic Partners Ltd
Ortigas Avenue Extension, Kaytikling
Taytay, Rizal
Manila, 1920, Philippines
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